I’ve known them both for years, and Erika since she sat in my 7th grade Social Studies class and talked just a little bit.

The history I have with this couple makes me smile. They are both my friend and I’ve seen joys and struggles with each of them separately, and now happiness for them as a couple. Our lives take twists and turns that we can’t possibly anticipate, but if we don’t turn loose of who we are, new joy comes in the morning. It’s morning for Erika and John. And I join their friends and family in celebrating that morning. They are blending six beautiful children and I loved watching them together last weekend. It’s not easy to blend families. Let’s face it; sometimes it’s a disaster. No one is perfect, and we can all work to grow as a family no matter if we’re blended or not.  It doesn’t matter if we’ve been together for months or years. It takes being willing to set aside the things that drive you a bit over the edge, and look for the talents and good in every single person. When we celebrate those things, the family unit always draws closer. I can tell that this crew loves each other, and I can’t wait to see how their future unfolds. I couldn’t resist grabbing a couple of shots of our bride and groom hugged up with their kiddos gathered around. What you can’t see is flurry of constant conversations, Bristol helping me with poses (and she’s got an eye for it) and lots of the sweetest laughter, the kind that only children bring to our lives.

We discussed where to do their engagement session, and decided the perfect spot was Erika’s family farm. I’ve been there several times through the years. Not only is it beautiful land, but it’s the heart and soul of their family. It’s where one or two of Erika’s goats roam around and sometimes nibble on things they shouldn’t, and where John is raising a bumper crop of various chicken breeds. There’s just something special about raising your children around animals and rolling hills, rows of fences, and hay. It brings a peace and contentment that is difficult to explain, yet easy to feel. And it instills a grounding that stays inside most of us for our life time. It’s easy for me to understand why so many families are choosing to return to the land. It’s more than soil and dirty hands, it’s a deeper way to live. And the giggles and fussing of kiddos running here and there is the finishing touch. I think I digressed a bit, but it was clearly the perfect location for their photos.

Erika and John, I can’t wait to photograph your wedding in October. I know it will be a flurry of laughter, a bit of “seriously,” and mountains of JOY. I adore you both and I’ll be cheering you on, now and forever. Love and blessings, Pat